SEVEN-STRAIGHT FOR SOUTH

Jun 21, 2019
2 min read

SOUTH CROYDON has had the perfect start to Division 1 of the Deakin University Eastern Region Women’s season, sitting atop the ladder undefeated after seven rounds.

“I think it’s a really good start, we finished fifth last season and our aim was to go one better and end up in the top four, so I think the team has definitely put a lot more into training and into games, which is really good,” senior women’s coach Tracey Lackman said.

“I think we are probably getting more supporters for the women’s team coming down and supporting, because the men clash quite a lot with our games, so it makes it difficult.”

The best part about being a coach for Lackman is to see her players grow and develop and says the ‘community’ feel to the club plays a major role in morale.

South Croydon women’s celebrate after a win over The Basin. PHOTO: Cassidy Captured

“I think we are just a big community club, so it’s a really big family feel rather than there’s a men’s team, under-19s, there is a women’s,” she said.

“We are just one big club and we will back each other.

“I think there’s a lot of other clubs don’t do as much, so we feel a bit more included.”

Lackman is excited for the rest of the season to see how far her team can go, and says her coaching has changed in her second year in-charge at Cheong Park.

“I’m looking forward to playing finals and testing the team and to see how they go overall,” she said.

“(My) first season of coaching was all about developing the side and this season is more about creating a winning side, so we’ve put in a lot more tactics (and) half the side are brand new to football,” she said.

“We are still trying to develop them, but a lot of the players are now coaching them as well.

“Our biggest focus has been on how we actually win games and how do we play the games.”

According to Lackman, there are a couple of teams that are a premiership threat to her side.

“The Basin – we are playing them this week and I think they will be a big threat,” she said.

“East Ringwood as well as we have played them in the past where we have had a bit of a hit and miss with them.

“The Basin just have a really strong side and have a good game-sense.

“They have been playing for a few years now.

“East Ringwood just seems to be able to come out strong each time and we don’t always come out strong.”

The players are taking more initiative and responsibility than last season, contributing to the Dogs’ rise up the ladder in 2019, according to Lackman.

“I think it’s less to do with me as a coach and more to do as them as players and taking the game on themselves,” she said.

South Croydon will face fellow premiership contender The Basin in the upcoming round.